Gifts To Suit That Handyman Or Friend On Your List

December 7, 1985|By Tom Schneider, Special to The Sentinel

Here are some items I can recommend for feathering your nest or that of a friend or relative. The companies named below assure me that if you act quickly, you can expect delivery in time for the holidays.

The handyman who already has an electric drill should appreciate a 12- piece set of wood-screw pilot bits. This Craftsman brand set (Illustration 1) from Sears is $15.99 plus tax and shipping. These high-carbon heat-treated bits will countersink (set the head of the screw flush with the surface) or, if you keep drilling, they'll counterbore (put the screwhead below the surface).

Counterboring allows for covering the screwhead with wood putty or a wood plug -- gives a more professional-looking result.

There are three screw pilot bits that predrill for number 4 or 5 screws (lengths are 1/2-, 5/8-, and 3/4-inch); three more for numbers 5 or 7 screws (lengths 5/8-, 3/4-, and 1-inch); three for numbers 8 or 9 ( 3/4-, 1-, and 1 1/4-inch); and three for numbers 10, 11, or 12 (1-, 1 1/4-, and 1 1/2- inches).

A depth-control guide is also included. The set is number 9 HT 4201 in the 85/86 Power and Hand Tool ''Specialog.'' Shipping weight is eight ounces. Call your local Sears catalog store to order.

This cast iron and wood slat bench (Illustration 2) may not seem at first to be ideal furniture for renters and other nomadic types. But consider that it comes apart easily and it's versatile -- capable of adding a delicate Victorian note to your living room (add a cushion or two) or to a deck, porch or patio.